Javelina
Tayassu tajacu

Javelinas live in the desert scrub of southern and central Arizona, and are most common along creeks and washes. They live and travel in small herds, and they rarely wander above the oak forests of the foothills. Their preferred food is cactus, with prickly pear being the favorite. They eat the cactus pads as well as the fruit. They also eat grasses, agaves, fruits, and seeds. During the summer, javelina will often rest through the heat of the day and feed at night.

Copyright 1997 Arizona Department of Transportation (Arizona Highways)